DOH Monitors Measles in Lebanon County

May 08, 2026

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health (DOH) has been monitoring the spread of measles in Lebanon County, while emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent the virus.

To date, 24 measles cases have been reported this year in Pennsylvania, and nearly all were among unvaccinated people, DOH officials said.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What happened:  Three Lebanon County residents were hospitalized with measles. Contact tracing identified several additional cases bringing the total to 12.
  • The DOH held a measles vaccination clinic this week in the county where 26 individuals received vaccines.
• Why it matters:  Measles is highly contagious but preventable by vaccine. Ten of the people diagnosed in Lebanon were unvaccinated, and the others had unknown vaccination status, per state and local reports.
• Larger trends:  The U.S. may lose its measles elimination status with 1,814 cases reported through April and nearly 2,300 reported last year.
  • Just under 94 percent of Pennsylvania kindergartners have received two doses of the  measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
  • In Lebanon County, the kindergarten MMR vaccination rate is 93.2 percent.
• What to do:  Pennsylvanians who think they may have had measles in the past month are asked to call the Department of Health toll-free at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
• Quotable:  “The Department of Health remains vigilant and prepared to manage measles cases with established public health practices and a dedicated team of experts,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, in a statement. “That is exactly why we are taking proactive action to both inform the impacted communities and the greater public so we can stay ahead of this incredibly contagious disease”

Earlier this year, the Department of Health issued an advisory for health care providers about identifying patient measles cases and taking proper precautions.

Additional information is available online.